[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COLOMBIAN NATIONAL POLICE 106TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, permit me to take this opportunity to inform 
my colleagues that the 6th of November is the 106th anniversary of the 
Colombian National Police [CNP]. The CNP has been our longstanding 
partner in the war on drugs. The CNP's success has been orchestrated by 
its director general, Gen. Rosso Jose Serrano, and the fearless leader 
of the DANTI, their antinarcotics unit. Col. Leonardo Gallego.
  Under the leadership of these two outstanding officers, the CNP has 
received worldwide recognition from the law enforcement community 
including FBI Director Freeh at a recent International Relations 
Committee hearing. Under their leadership, the CNP has broken the backs 
of the world's largest drug cartels in both Medellin and Cali. Their 
efforts should be duly recognized here today by Congress.
  Regrettably, their success has had a price, the lives of more than 
4,000 brave young CNP officers over the last 9 years. Their sacrifice 
cannot be underestimated, or go unnoticed. Their deaths were not in 
vain. Today, we honor their memories here in the House. Despite the 
tragedies of their deaths fighting drugs, the DANTI is world renowned 
for its record on human rights. This is a credit to their dedication to 
their mission, and a credit to their leaders, General Serrano and 
Colonel Gallego.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to include, at the conclusion of my 
remarks, a copy of the letter from myself, Mr. Burton, Mr. Hastert, and 
Mr. Ballenger to General Serrano congratulating him on this occasion of 
the 106th anniversary of the CNP.
  I know I echo the words of many of my colleagues here today. We thank 
the Colombian National Police for their outstanding, courageous efforts 
in the harshest of circumstances. We extend our heartfelt 
congratulations on their 106th anniversary and wish their continued 
success in all of their endeavors.

                                Congress of the United States,

                                 Washington, DC, November 5, 1997.
     Gen. Rosso Jose Serrano,
     Director General, Colombian National Police.
       Dear General Serrano: It is with great respect and 
     admiration that we salute the Colombian National Police on 
     this, the 106th anniversary of its inception. The 
     professionalism of your police force has been proven 
     repeatedly under the most adverse challenges imaginable.
       The sterling reputation of the Colombian National Police is 
     one that is the envy of law enforcement organizations world-
     wide. The sacrifices of your policemen have made that 
     reputation what it is today.
       We applaud the Colombian National Police's loyalty and your 
     dedication to the principles of law enforcement. We also 
     encourage your adherence to human rights, and salute the 
     DANTI's world-renowned human rights reputation. We salute 
     your continued sacrifices for law and order in a democratic 
     republic.
       Finally, please tell your policemen that they are not 
     forgotten.
           With best wishes,
     Dan Burton,
       Chairman, Government Reform and Oversight Committee.
     Ben Gilman,
       Chairman, International Relations Committee.
     J. Dennis Hastert
       Chairman, National Security Subcommittee.
     Cass Ballenger
       Vice Chairman, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.

       

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